Busch Gardens Williamsburg is gearing up for an electrifying transformation with Verbolten: Forbidden Turn, a bold reimagining of the park’s fan-favorite coaster. Announced on November 8, 2025, the upgraded attraction promises to take guests deeper into the mysteries of the Black Forest when it debuts in 2026.
The original Verbolten will continue thrilling riders through January 4, 2026, before closing on January 5 to make way for this next-generation adventure. The park teased fans with a short, shadowy video on Instagram, offering just a glimpse of what lies beyond the “forbidden turn.”
According to Busch Gardens, “Fairytales fade fast in the Black Forest, promising charm and folklore at every fork in the road. On this reimagined Autobahn adventure, one wrong turn could be your very last.” The chilling new tagline suggests that the updated experience will push the boundaries of storytelling and suspense, blending cutting-edge coaster technology with the park’s signature thematic detail.
For those unfamiliar, Verbolten first opened in 2012 in the park’s Germany section, where guests board sleek German “Autobahn” vehicles before plunging into the heart of the Black Forest. The original ride featured a surprise drop track and a mix of indoor and outdoor elements that made it an instant hit among coaster fans and families alike.
This upgrade follows a year of major moves for Busch Gardens parks. In 2025, Busch Gardens Williamsburg introduced The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, a thrilling homage to one of its most legendary coasters. Meanwhile, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently announced Lion & Hyena Ridge, an ambitious animal habitat set to open in 2026.
Both parks are part of United Parks & Resorts, which also operates SeaWorld and Sesame Place. The company’s leadership has emphasized a renewed focus on innovation and marketing as it seeks to attract more visitors and expand internationally, including plans for new SeaWorld parks abroad.
Whether you’re nostalgic for the original Verbolten or eager to face the new thrills of Forbidden Turn, one thing’s certain—Busch Gardens Williamsburg isn’t afraid to take the road less traveled.
Are you ready to brave the Forbidden Turn? Stay tuned for updates, construction progress, and first-look coverage as Busch Gardens prepares to unleash its next Black Forest adventure in 2026.
